Don’t be afraid for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10. NLT.
Discouragement is real. It is something we all have to learn to overcome, or we will be defeated by it. The definition of discouragement is a loss of confidence and enthusiasm. The loss of confidence can be triggered by a look, a word or the lack there of. It is amazing how small an action can lead to great discouragement. I think it is one of Satan’s weapon he loves to use.
My friends, if you are facing an area of discouragement today, please take time to ponder Isaiah 41: 10. First thought: Don’t be afraid. Often the reason discouragement hinders us is because it brings its buddy, fear, along with it. Fear we aren’t enough. Fear people will find out that we are not enough. But the Lord is telling us we don’t have to be afraid because He is with us.
Second thought: Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. My heart was so encouraged by remembering that He is my God. I can come to Him anytime and anyplace. When I am up or when I am down. He never stops being my God. When I fail or when I succeed, He is still my God. His power and love are always accessible to me. His forgiveness, mercy and acceptance are mine to enjoy. That is not just words, because He is always there in His whole “Godness”..if that makes sense!
Third thought: I will strengthen you. If He declares He will strengthen us, it means He knows there are times we will be weak. That weakness can come as discouragement, doubt (in ourselves or Him), or disobedience. It doesn’t matter if we go to Him as our God; He will be there to strengthen any weak place. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Psalm 73:16. NLT. My friends’ discouragement seeks to weaken our confidence. God intends to help our confidence move from self-dependence to God-dependence. Instead of being discouraged by your weakness, lean into Him and His strength.
Fourth thought: and help you. Often when discouragement seems to be winning, it is because we really haven’t turned to Him. We simply allow our feelings to make us feel bad. We don’t allow His truth to set us free, so we remain in bondage to discouragement. Ask for His help, receive His help and obey His help. You will move from discouragement to encouragement quickly! His help often comes in the promises we find in His Word. I encourage you not only to read it, but to apply it!
Fifth thought: I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. In reality, we can’t accomplish anything without Him. It is His righteousness that we walk in, not our own. He will never let go of us, no matter what. Sin, shame, disobedience will of course have to be repented of, but they needn’t keep us in the bondage of discouragement. Confessing sin and repenting quickly leads us back to encouragement. It reminds us of the loving Savior we not only need, but have. Our confidence and enthusiasm to walk in His ways is restored. Do not let discouragement hold you down or back. Joy is your portion, my friend.
Father, I thank you for helping us defeat discouragement. It’s hold is broken on my life today. I thank you for restoring confidence and enthusiasm for anyone who has fallen victim to this sneaky thief, in Jesus’ Name, amen.
Faith Encounters 